Some Hidden Features in XP

DefragSecret – Hidden Command Line SwitchInstructions – Go to “Start”, “Run” and Type defrag c: -b to defragment the Boot and Application Prefetch information. Similar to what BootVis invokes.

PaintSecret – Image TrailsInstructions – Open an image and hold down Shift then drag the image around to create an image trail.

Secret – 10 X zoomInstructions – Open an image and select the magnifying glass icon. Left-click exactly on the line below the 8 X.

2. OS Secrets.

Add/RemoveSecret – Hidden Uninstall OptionsInstructions – Warning: Proceed at your own risk.Browse to C:\Windows\inf\ and make a backup copy of sysoc.inf. Then open the original file C:\Windows\inf\sysoc.inf in notepad. Go to “Edit” and select “Replace”. In “Find what” type, hide and in “Replace with:” type, then select “Replace All”, save and close the file. Go to the control panel, “Add/Remove”, select “Add/Remove Windows Components”. You will now see many more Windows components to uninstall. Do not remove anything with no label or that you do not recognize or fully understand what it does. Doing so can break certain functionality in Windows.

Control PanelSecret – Hidden Control Panel ExtensionsInstructions – Download and install Tweak UI, launch, go to “Control Panel” and check any item not selected, then “Apply” and “OK”. You will now see the hidden control panel extensions.

FreeCellSecret – Instant WinInstruction – Hold down Ctrl + Shift + F10 during game play. Then you will be asked if you want to Abort, Retry or Ignore. Choose Abort, then move any card to instantly win.

Secret – Hidden Game ModesInstruction – In the “Game” menu choose “Select Game”. Enter -1 or -2 to activate the hidden game modes.

MinesweeperSecret – Reveal MinesInstructions – Minimize or close all running applications. Launch Minesweeper, then type xyzzy. Next hold down either shift key for one second. Now when you move the mouse cursor over a Minesweeper square you will see a tiny pixel in the top left corner of your desktop screen. This pixel will change to black when your mouse moves over a mine. You may need to change you desktop background to a solid color other then white or black to see the pixel.

PinballSecret – Extra BallsInstructions – Type lmax at the start of a new ball to get extra balls.

Secret – Gravity WellInstructions – Type gmax at the start of a new game to activate Gravity Well.

Secret – Instant PromotionInstructions – Type rmax at the start of a new game to go up in ranks.

Secret – Skill ShotInstruction – Launch the ball partially up the chute past the third yellow light bar so it falls back down to get 75.000 points. There are six yellow light bars that are worth a varying amount of points :First: 15.000Second: 30.000Third: 75.000Fourth: 30.000Fifth: 15.000Sixth: 7.500

Secret – Test MOdeInstructions – Type hidden test at the start of a new ball to activate Test Mode. No notification will be given that this is activated but you can now left-click the mouse button an drag the ball around.

Secret – Unlimited BallsInstructions – Type bmax at the start of a new ball. No notificatin will be given that this is activated but when a ball is lost a new ball will appear from the yellow wormhole indefinitely. Once this is activated you will be unable to activate other secrets without restarting the game.